Mr Donal O'Dowd                            AIR0001

Written evidence submitted by Donal O’Dowd, Ellen Wilkinson Primary School

I feel very strongly that the current targets for NO2, PM2.5 and PM 10 are far less ambitious than they should be. Matching the WHO targets is a must if the UK is to maintain its reputation as a world-leading country in terms of its approach to public health. The target dates should also be brought forward as a matter of urgency- there is no reason people should have to breathe polluted air which damages their lungs. I teach in a school next to London City Airport- so funding research into making aviation fuel less polluting is important to ensure children in this area don’t grow up with breathing problems. Poor air quality damages us all- but the poor suffer by far the worst effects. Making polluters pay for the negative externalities they generate should be a first principle of how the UK intends to tackle the issue.

Thank you for the opportunity to give evidence.

Donal O’Dowd

May 2023